Question 1

The only universally accepted theory of management is the systems approach.

Accepted Answer

While the systems approach is a widely recognized and applied method of management, it is not the only universally accepted theory of management. There are several other theories and approaches to management, including contingency theory, behavioral theory, and human relations theory.

Question 2

According to Henri Fayol's unity of command principle, each employee should receive orders from only one superior..

Accepted Answer

The unity of command principle states that an employee should receive orders and guidance from only one superior to avoid confusion and conflict. This ensures that employees have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and avoids the possibility of being given contradictory instructions.

Question 3

The field of management is presently experiencing information overload.

Accepted Answer

With the advancement of technology and increase in data, the field of management is presently experiencing information overload. There is an abundance of data being generated every day, and managers are trying to cope up with it by using various tools and techniques. This has led to a situation where managers are often overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available to them and find it challenging to make sense of it all. Therefore, it can be concluded that the statement is true.

Question 4

According to the universalist or functional approach to management, administration of public and private organizations requires different processes.

Accepted Answer

According to the universalist or functional approach to management, the administration of public and private organizations requires similar processes. It emphasizes that management principles and techniques can be universally applied across different types of organizations, including both public and private sectors.

Question 5

Chain of command refers to who is ultimately responsible for getting things done.

Accepted Answer

Chain of command refers to the formal line of authority, from the top of an organization to the bottom, through which orders are passed. It outlines who reports to whom.

Question 6

When studying management, history and historical perspective do not matter because management is a new, forward-looking field.

Accepted Answer

History and historical perspective are important in understanding the evolution and development of management theories and practices. They provide valuable insights and lessons that can inform current management practices and guide future decision-making.

Question 7

According to Henri Fayol, a manager's job can be divided into the following five areas of responsibility: planning, organizing, leading, motivating, and controlling.

Accepted Answer

Henri Fayol identified five primary functions of management as planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. "Motivating" is not explicitly listed as one of Fayol's original five functions.

Question 8

The operational approach to management focuses on improving efficiency and quality.

Accepted Answer

The operational approach to management aims to identify and implement processes that improve efficiency and quality in an organization's operations. It involves analyzing every aspect of the organization's processes to identify areas for improvement and uses performance metrics to assess the success of the improvements. Overall, the approach is geared towards maximizing productivity and minimizing waste while ensuring high-quality outputs.

Question 9

Management has been practiced for thousands of years.

Accepted Answer

Management can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The principles of management have been applied in various forms throughout history.

Question 10

The universal process approach is the oldest, and one of the most popular, approaches to management.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The universal process approach, also known as classical management theory, was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is still relevant today. It includes principles such as division of labor, hierarchy of authority, and standardized procedures.

Question 11

In early cultures, management was something one learned by word of mouth and trial and error, rather than something one studied.

Accepted Answer

In early cultures, management was not studied as an academic discipline and was instead learned through practical experience, observation, and communication within the community.

Question 12

According to Fayol's centralization principle, the right to give orders must be centralized and the responsibility decentralized.

Accepted Answer

Fayol's centralization principle does not specifically state that the right to give orders must be centralized and the responsibility decentralized. Instead, it discusses the balance between centralization and decentralization of decision-making authority, without prescribing a specific distribution of rights to give orders or responsibilities.

Question 13

We gain a better understanding of the present by taking a historical perspective.

Accepted Answer

By looking at the past events and trends, we can comprehend the current situation better and make more informed decisions about the future. This approach helps us identify patterns, correlations, and causes that may not be immediately apparent in the present. Therefore, historical perspective is an essential tool for gaining insights into various fields, from politics and economics to culture and technology.

Question 14

Founded in 1623, the Zildjian Company attributes its success to good management principles and an appreciation for the company legacy that keeps everyone focused on preserving the business for the long haul.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the founding and success of the Zildjian Company.

Question 15

The interdisciplinary nature of management is a principal cause of the information explosion in management theory.

Accepted Answer

The interdisciplinary nature of management, which draws upon various fields such as economics, psychology, sociology, and engineering, has led to a wide range of theories and approaches in management. This has resulted in an information explosion in management theory as scholars and practitioners seek to understand and apply these diverse perspectives.

Question 16

The Zildjian Company has an estimated 65% of the world cymbal market. They attribute this success to sticking with one product and never making changes.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. While the Zildjian Company is a major player in the cymbal market, their success is not solely based on sticking with one product and never making changes. They have adapted to industry trends and consumer demands over time, expanding their product line and improving their manufacturing processes.

Question 17

There is virtually no evidence of Henry Fayol's universal process approach in today's management literature.

Accepted Answer

While it is true that Fayol's universal process approach may not be as prominent in modern management literature, it has still had a significant impact on management theory and practice. Many of his principles and concepts, such as the division of labor, hierarchy of authority, and unity of command, are still widely used and studied today. Additionally, his approach to management laid the foundation for later theories, such as system theory and contingency theory.

Question 18

Business management courses were not taught in the U.S. until the end of World War II.

Accepted Answer

Business management courses were actually first taught in the U.S. in the late 1800s at universities such as Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Chicago.

Question 19

Women and men from around the globe have been contributors to management theory and practice.

Accepted Answer

Women and men from different countries and cultures have contributed to the development and application of management principles and models throughout history. Some of the most renowned names in the field of management, such as Mary Parker Follett, Henri Fayol, and Peter Drucker, have made significant contributions to the study and practice of management. Additionally, contemporary scholars and practitioners continue to offer new insights and approaches to management that reflect the diversity of perspectives and experiences of professionals around the world.

Question 20

Subordinates should observe the formal chain of command unless expressly authorized by their respective superiors to communicate with each other. Fayol called this the scalar chain.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects the principle of the scalar chain as proposed by Henri Fayol, who believed that communication within an organization should flow through a clear hierarchy of authority from top to bottom. However, it's worth noting that in modern management theory, there is generally more emphasis on the importance of lateral communication and collaboration between colleagues at all levels of an organization.

Quiz 2: The Evolution of Management Thought